Kathryn McMannus at Rondebosch Golf Club (photo contributed)
BY AAGD STAFF
(January 14, 2020) —Kathryn Magett McManus is as cheerful and bubbly as a golfer could be having recently returned from an October 2019 golf-scape journey to Cape Town, South Africa with this publication. Kathryn, a retired Army Civilian who enjoys the game to its fullest, both locally and internationally, brought back with her memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime. As one of the 33 travelers on this AAGD group excursion, she unpacked her bags in her Raleigh, North Carolina home, eagerly looking forward to the next AAGD excursion.
Kathryn was first introduced to golf after her office began hosting tournaments on a regular basis. Curious, and eagerly wishing to participate, she figured the sport would give her more face-time with the leaders and officers of her firm. Although no other Black women were involved, Kathryn stepped-up to the opportunity, and, “after embarrassing myself a few times,” she says, “I swore to learn the game.”
Yet to break 100, Kathryn has been a member of the Triangle Women in Golf (TWIG) a club based in Raleigh, North Carolina since 2018.
Holding a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University, the 63-year old mother of two adult sons (Daniel and Aaron) served in the U.S. Army as an 1102 Contract Officer for Army Research and Development. Her work took her to numerous destinations, including Vicenza (Italy), Nurnberg (Germany), Atlanta (Georgia), Chicago (Illinois), Anniston (Alabama), Killeen (Texas), and “…a few places I’ve long forgotten,” she explained. Today, she keeps herself busy having recently started KMac Real Estate Investments LLC.
Kathryn McManus and Eddie Thompson at Rondebosch Golf Club, Cape Town, South Africa (photo contributed)
One golf memory that Kathryn recalls vividly from her Cape Town, South Africa trip, “I played at the Rondebosch Golf Club. After a slow start, I had a great time. The country was beautiful – so many wonderful views! It really increased my confidence.” Rondebosch, an 18-hole course, is rated as a ‘must-play’ amongst golfers and is situated only ten minutes from Cape Town’s city center, with magnificent views of Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain. “The next time that I played, I got my first birdie!” This lovely lady is no stranger to the motherland and has traveled to African before, as part of a trade mission with the National Black MBA Association in February 2018.
“I learned to complete my swing and how to gauge the proper distance to stand from the ball,” says Kathryn, who has taken instruction at the Dogwood Country Club in Raleigh and at Knight’s Play Golf Club in Apex, NC. From those lessons, Kathryn discovered “I used to pull my swing and not turn properly, and I stood too far away from the ball. At Dogwood, I could playback the recording of my swing and actually see my mistakes.”
She admits, “Consistency!” is her biggest challenge in the game. “I get in a good swing and then I top the ball. Or I’ll anticipate a good swing, raise my head, and look up too soon to see it, and get terrible results.” To get past this she realizes, “I have to focus before each swing and remind myself to sweep my swing, keep my head down, keep both arms straight, turn my body and let the club do the work. Other than that, I try to golf at least once a week.”
“I love to travel and I love the outdoors. I grew up being told to “go outside and play.” I think the best way for adults to go outside and play is to play golf. I love playing at different clubs and locations. I’m so happy I discovered the African American Golfer’s Digest. I met some great people on the recent Cape Town, South Africa trip and I intend to continue traveling with AAGD.”
